"We are called to a knowledge of God: not that knowledge which, content with empty speculation, merely flits in the brain, but that which will be sound and fruitful if we duly perceive it, and if it takes root in the heart." John Calvin, Institutes, I.5.9.

4.06.2017

This was a challenging piece calling pastors to professional, in the best sense of the word.
Those who revolt against professionalism and stress an organic ministry model, often fall into being unprofessional: sloppy, lazy, and thoughtless about rightly serving the body of Christ in the details of the big and little things.

World Magazine, again, on how to translate Genesis 3:16, and why it matters.
NKJV: Your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you.
Old ESV: Your desire shall be for your husband, but he shall rule over you.
New ESV: Your desire shall be contrary to your husband, but he shall rule over you.

4.03.2017

A good short article on Glenn Beck and the difference between Mormons and Christians.
We don't have to be syncretists, merging two conflicting religious claims together, to forge political alliances...

Are you prone to be a cynic? Though many cynics revel in their cynicism, it is not a fruit of the Spirit! This might help diagnose the problem. And it is a problem...

After a stimulating discussion at church yesterday on the role of the law in our lives as Christians, Kevin DeYoung serves up this gem on seeking to please God our Father as already justified children.

Numbers 22:40
"Then Balak offered oxen and sheep, and he sent some to Balaam and to the princes who were with him."

Balaam had princes with him when he rode his donkey and it talked to him. I had always assumed he was alone, missing verse 40. Did they hear the donkey speak, too? Were they like the men with Saul on the Damascus road? "the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one" (Acts 9:7).

It only makes sense. Balaam is sought after by princes and kings. Of course he has servants in that day. So this altercation is very public. They see Balaam abusing his donkey, and his wavering between resolving to speak only what God says (Numbers 22:18), accepting bribes (22:32), and advising Balak to tempt Israel in other ways (Numbers 25:1-2; Revelation 2:14). They see their boss constrained by God, uniquely taught by Him. Yet they also see Balaam working against Him in the end, enticing the very people he blessed to sin.

What a chump.

But out of the mouth of this donkey comes God's view of His people:
- no sin observed in them (23:21)
- God is with them (23:21)
- they are beautiful and lovely (24:5-6)
- they will spread out and multiply (24:7)
- a King shall arise from them (24:17)